"There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge."" Isaac Asimov

"If you give the average Frenchman a choice between a reforming president who would plug the country's huge deficit and a good cheese, he would probably opt for the cheese." - Stephen ClarkeI think the French may be on to something here.

Lord have mercy on the people living in the City on this day, on the priest who was interrupted while celebrating the Holy Liturgy, and on those who did the attacking- the Turks in this case and the Crusaders before them.

As a result of a thousand million years of evolution, the universe is becoming conscious of itself, able to understand something of its past history and its possible future.-- Sir Julian Sorell Huxley FRS

"There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge."" Isaac Asimov

Thanks Fr. Chris for this; I had intended to do so, but came on too late this evening, and was so pleased to see the commemoration had been posted. And to Timos, for reminding us to pray for the tiny remnant, who still hail from "I Poli!"

The Byzantine Empire was one of the longest in duration, having existed for approximately 1,118 years.